For those who missed it, we are honoured (but not surprised) to announce that the DoP has officially, and legitimately, won the first-ever Kiwiburn Department Games, claiming the undisputed (shhhh, DJ, we all know Crew had more than five in your team so quit whining) title of Best Department on – and off – the Paddock.
Some important and very factual information about the games:
- DoP only had three (very enthusiastic and creative) team members.
- Every other department turned up with full teams of five (or more), or combined their teams (‘sup IT and Site Ops, you legends!) to create a full team of five.
- There were three judges from three departments – DoP, Arts, and Town Planning – to ensure very fair judging (ask the spectators, it was totes legit).
Massive respect and thanks to the judges, who gave their time and scored with integrity, honour, and an admirable resistance to intimidation by DoP’s naturally overwhelming excellence. History will remember you kindly (except Jarred who apparently only learned to count with one hand).
A very rocky start saw DoP finishing the first round with ZERO POINTS and a heartbreaking look of complete and utter disappointment from our fearless leader and judge (who despite having the ability to, did not sneak in any points here). That’s right, not a single point. Nothing. Nada. A bold strategic and absolutely planned move that involved confusion, humility, and the long game.
What followed, however, was a textbook comeback.
Focus sharpened.
Spirits lifted.
Asses got kicked.
From that moment on, DoP slowly and surely surged ahead, proving that numbers are irrelevant when you have heart, creativity, and three people who are stubborn af and refuse to lose thanks to months of smack talk in this very public publication.
HUGE shout-out to the Departments who got amongst it and threw themselves into the chaos. This is what it’s all about. The energy, the commitment, the nonsense – truly beautiful, and I for one, cannot wait to kick your asses again next year… I mean, have fun in this friendly competition again next year.
Special mention to Theme Camps, who achieved the impossible by scoring the only 10 from Jarred. A remarkable achievement. Shame it didn’t help you win.
As for Services – bold strategy using a team member who isn’t Crew anymore. Did you think no one would notice??? We respect the hustle. Pity it didn’t help.
Massive THANK YOU to Captain, our new DoP Facilitator for organising the shenanigans (and for stepping up to facilitate this winning bunch of misfits).
In the end, despite the odds, the uneven team sizes, the early humiliation, and the extremely legit judging process, DoP emerged victorious (was there really any question?), lifting the inaugural KB Volunteer Department Cup and securing eternal bragging rights.
Fun was had.
History was made.
Egos were bruised (TC, looking at you).
DoP remains superior.
If this sounds like the kind of ridiculous, joyful chaos you want to be part of – VOLUNTEER! This is the kind of fun we have on and off the Paddock, and we’d love to have you in the mix next time.
Image credit: Sarah H (Mary Poppins)
